Immigration Lawyer: Errors That Can Lead a Migrant to Lose Their Green Card Today

U.S. immigration lawyer Elizabeth Amarán has outlined critical errors that could jeopardize a migrant's green card status. She explained that receiving a green card before completing the mandatory "year and a day" with parole status can lead to its revocation. Amarán noted that if an immigration officer notices the discrepancy in dates, they have the authority to declare the residency "granted in error" and immediately cancel it. This administrative mistake can also hinder future applications for U.S. citizenship.

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was granted in error

Amarán strongly advises proactively informing officials about such errors before proceeding with citizenship applications or other immigration processes. Another significant risk arises during the adjustment of status process. Departing the U.S. while a case is pending could compromise re-entry if the individual accrued unlawful presence before their initial application. To mitigate this, Amarán suggests obtaining official travel documents and demonstrating "extraordinary circumstances" to authorities.

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under no circumstances can travel

Furthermore, Amarán warned that residents with pending criminal charges should "under no circumstances travel" abroad. This prohibition extends to vacation destinations like Punta Cana and cruises, although travel within the U.S. remains permissible. The lawyer referenced the Supreme Court's recent ruling in Blanche v. Lau, which impacts returning permanent residents with records or charges related to crimes of moral turpitude.

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Punta Cana

This decision allows Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to treat such residents as applicants for admission upon reentry. They may not need to immediately prove commission of the crime with clear and convincing evidence. In practice, this can result in the individual being placed on immigration parole and facing removal proceedings. Amarán reiterated that receiving residency prematurely can also block future access to citizenship.

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was granted in error